The Common Causes of Headaches When Breastfeeding

You can develop a headache if you had an epidural or a spinal block during delivery. If some of the fluid in your spine leaks out during the anesthesia process and the level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in your body goes down, it can cause a headache. In most cases, no treatment is necessary. Your headache should resolve on its own with rest and fluids. However, if it continues for longer than a day, your doctor may perform a procedure to help relieve the pain.

Some women get a headache while they're breastfeeding. The let-down of breast milk and the release of the hormone oxytocin may be to blame. This type of a headache is called a lactation headache. Sometimes a lactation headache will resolve after a few weeks, but it could continue to occur until you wean your child. Early weaning is a concern with this type of a headache.

If you suffer from headaches while you're nursing your baby, talk to your doctor. An over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin (ibuprofen) may provide some relief.     

A lactation headache can also develop if your breasts become hard, swollen, and overfull. Oxytocin, the same hormone that's believed to be responsible for let-down headaches, is also associated with breast engorgement. Try to stay ahead of engorgement as much as possible by breastfeeding or pumping often.     

If you don't eat enough, or if you skip meals, your blood sugar levels can drop. If you don't take in enough fluids each day, you can become dehydrated. Both of these situations can lead to weakness, exhaustion, and headaches. Try to maintain a well-balanced diet, eat at least three meals a day, along with a variety of healthy snacks, and drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.

New moms are tired and sleep-deprived. Lack of sleep and exhaustion can contribute to the onset of a headache. Try to put up your feet and relax a little, or take a nap when the baby is sleeping. You may be able to ward off the headaches if you can just get enough rest.  

Spending too much time reading or looking at the screen of your computer, tablet, or smartphone can tire your eyes and cause a headache. Get enough rest, take frequent breaks from reading, and limit your screen time to reduce the strain on your eyes and help prevent headaches. If you continue to get headaches from eye strain, see your eye doctor. You may need glasses or a prescription change.   

Allergies, hay fever, and sinus infections can cause pain and pressure in your head. If you suffer from allergies, or if you think you have an infection, talk to your doctor about treatment.